LAHORE: Punjab Inspector General of Police retired Capt Arif Nawaz Khan has given a two-week time to all the district police officers (DPOs) for the arrest of proclaimed offenders especially the criminals in “A” category.

In another major initiative, he issued an order for the cancellation of weapons licences used in criminal activities all over the province.

Chairing a Regional Police Officers (RPOs) conference here on Saturday, he warned of departmental proceedings for not complying with his orders before the two-week deadline.

During the conference, the RPOs briefed the IGP about the crime situation and police action taken in their respective divisions and districts during the six months of the year.

Orders cancellation of licences of arms used in crime

The IGP said the suspects involved in abuse of women and children deserved no leniency and directed the RPOs to ensure solid steps for their arrest under their supervision.

He directed the Lahore capital city police officer and other field officers of Punjab to write letters to deputy commissioners for cancellation of those licenced weapons which have been used in criminal activities by the suspects and also ensure effective follow-up [of such cases].

Mr Arif said quick redress of the complaints received on Prime Minister Portal was top priority of the Punjab police and asked the officers for effective use of available resources to expedite work on the cases.

He asked the officials to arrest top 20 criminals of every district besides apprehending the outlaws involved in murder, dacoity and kidnapping for ransom by utilising the latest technology provided to them in this regard.

During the meeting the security plan for Eidul Azha also came under discussion. He also issued instructions to the RPOs for the supervision of individuals named in the Fourth Schedule ahead of Muharam and also implement the rules evolved under the National Action Plan in all districts.

They should review security plan for sensitive places and installations especially educational institutions, mosques, imambargahs and churches in their districts and deploy additional force, wherever required.

The IGP issued instructions for the security of foreign experts working on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects and asked the DPOs to pay visits [to the projects] in their districts to check the security arrangements regularly.

“The DPOs should submit an inspection report to the central police office till July 31 after conducting stock taking of weapons, bullets and other weapons in their police stations and police posts,” he said.

The IGP said the officials and staff deputed at riverine check posts of the districts should not be assigned any other duty.

Particularly, the instructions should be followed for the posts located in Attock, Mianwali, Layyah, Bhakkar and Muzaffargarh districts, he said.

If and when required, additional squads of police should be deputed at these riverine check posts during the monsoon.

During the meeting, the IGP also directed to try to resolve old enmities through reconciliation and taking surety bonds from the parties.

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2019